Today we are going to be focusing on recording medium to long scripts, ~5 to 30 minutes in length.
Here are 5 tips that have helped me deliver a captivating read, while reducing the amount of time spent recording (i.e. making fewer mistakes).
1- Know what you’re saying
Try and give the script a pre-read (ideally out loud), which means going over the script and identifying any words you might not be familiar with, pronunciation of proper names, or any troublesome tongue twisters.
A simple google of “____ pronunciation” on Google should get you there. For proper names I generally like to go to YouTube and search for “____ explained” or “____ interview”.
Often when reading a script out loud, you’ll find opportunities to give a different melody to a phrase. Yes, your voice is an instrument, and voice over is song. Where will you accelerate? Where will you be light and friendly? Where will you decide to take just an extra pause? Where can you really stress just a certain word or two? Figuring this out in advance will cut down on restarts during recording and help bring your read to life.
Lastly, script writers are not without fault. Identify typos and correct them. If you notice factual errors, or find incorrect grammar, your clients will absolutely appreciate you bringing this to their attention before the recording. This shows you’re doing your homework, and will cut down on time spent in studio for any pickups later.
2- Make it your own
I’ll always make a working copy, separate from the original, and change the text to have a unified font and size.
You can even go as far as replacing difficult to read words to a more phonetic or simplified pronunciation with using CAPitals on the syllables that require EMphasis.
Adding bold to certain words or even pairings of them will help when you realize they might need a bit more extra attention.
Finally, while it is common for the written word for reading to be very verbose, it’s more fluid for voice over when contractions are used. We tend to avoid contractions when more impact is needed. Unless you are reading a direct quote, you could’ve benefited from not being so mechanical with your speech (assuming your client is ok with this).
3- Get comfy
Finally get your script placed on your computer screen in a way where you can easily read it, while keeping a fixed distance and orientation to your microphone. A comfortable chair, that doesn’t make any noise if you shift around (skin on leather is a no-no), will go a long way. An extra benefit of home studios is you can take your time, so if you find yourself needing a break, I would recommend taking that time to review what’s coming next in the script.
Make sure you have a nice bottle of water with you, and I recommend drinking a fair amount before you start. A little trick of the trade for those with particularly “clicky/noisy” mouths is eating a Granny Smith apple. There is just something about the juice that has the right amount of acidity to rinse the mouth out, while the lubricating to help reduce chances of losing that perfect delivery because of annoying clicks.
4- Take it easy
It is really easy to edit out a long pause. It’s a lot harder (read: impossible) to edit in a proper pronunciation, emphasis, and tone. Don’t rush yourself and feel free to take the time you need between sentences to properly internalize what the following sentence requires. As a beginner I would often pause after EVERY sentence, rehearse the next in my head, then deliver it. It was certainly a crutch, and could lead to a stilted, monotonous read if you allow it to. But for those who can’t run yet, you start with crawling.
Sizing your font so it only takes about 7 or so words per line can allow your peripheral vision to subconsciously register what the next line of your read is, as it will come much sooner without your eyes and brain having to do that full old timey typewriter return to the complete opposite side of the page. Which brings me to my last and most important tip:
5- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
This job is all about reading text, while sounding like you aren’t. This means you need to know how a sentence will end even before it begins. Being able to scan ahead of what you are saying will make for a much more fluid read. Think of your eyes, brain, and mouth as a bucket brigade. Your eyes will pass the words to your brain, then while your brain is handing the words to your mouth, your eyes are off ahead filling their bucket with more words, ready to pass it off to the brain the instant it’s ready.
The best way to do this is simply practice. While social media is trending towards short form videos like TikTok, many sites still use good ol’ fashion words as a form of entertainment. Why not mix fun and practice together, and read out loud whatever you find yourself perusing on the internet? In fact, you can start right now! This is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to improve.
I leave you with the words of Socrates. “The unexamined life is not worth living”.
Take out your phone and turn on voice memos and record yourself reading out loud when you are practicing. There are so many things you need to focus on during a read. Trying to commit to memory when you flubbed, or conversely, did great, is brain resources that don’t need to be wasted. Record, listen back, and even ask a friend what they think (hint: I’m one of those friends, don’t be a stranger).
-J
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